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Famous FIFA World Cup Goals: Ronaldinho’s Floated Free Kick
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England goalkeeper David Seaman watches as the ball flies into the net during Brazil's winning goal at the 2002 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal in Shizuoka Stadium.
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Famous FIFA World Cup Goals: Ronaldinho’s Floated Free Kick

Written by
Tushaar Kuthiala
Tushaar Kuthiala has over a decade of experience in news media, content creation, and digital marketing. Over the course of his career, Tushaar has written features and articles on sports, geopolitics,...
Tushaar Kuthiala
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Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
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History
England goalkeeper David Seaman watches as the ball flies into the net during Brazil's winning goal at the 2002 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal in Shizuoka Stadium.
Brazil vs. England at the 2002 FIFA World CupEnglish goalkeeper David Seaman watching in horror as a floated free kick from Brazilian winger Ronaldinho goes into the net for the winning goal during the 2002 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal at the Shizuoka Stadium ECOPA, Shizuoka, Japan, on June 21.

At the 2002 FIFA World Cup, the quarterfinal between Brazil and England was considered one of the most exciting clashes of the tournament. Both squads were packed with some of the world’s best active footballers, such as Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Roberto Carlos, and Ronaldinho for Brazil and David Beckham, Michael Owen, and Sol Campbell for England. The match ended in a 2–1 win for Brazil, which went on to win the tournament for a record fifth time. The winning goal was scored by Ronaldinho, who tantalizingly floated a long-range free kick over English goalkeeper David Seaman’s outstretched hand. There has been a long-standing debate about whether Ronaldinho intended to score a goal or was trying to cross the ball to a teammate. (Watch the goal here.)

Tushaar Kuthiala
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